Low and High Case Numbers
The Basis for Scheduling
A case number is the basis for when a Diversity Visa case is to be scheduled for interview. As such, its position in a region is a major preoccupation for most applicants.
I’m therefore writing this article to provide applicants – especially those who are unaware – with a kind of estimate of what could be considered low, medium or high case number in their region, as well as when different case numbers can expect to be interviewed during the Program year.
[CLICK HERE to jump to Case Number Tables] or continue reading the article below.
Interviews in each region begin with the lowest case numbers and progress to high ones as the fiscal year goes on. This gives cases with low case number a higher chance of being interviewed than those with high ones.
Concerning the tables below, let me include the following notes:
NOTE:
1. The below are estimates intended to serve as ‘signposts’ and should be considered as such.
2. A position and a ‘likely’ time of interview have been assigned to each case number range established. This concept is not official. It is however based on the fact that low case numbers have less risk than higher ones.
3. The limits shown for each case number range (which are subject to adjustment) are approximate values based on interpolations from recent years. As such, some case numbers may fall in a neighboring range in reality.
That being indicated, the following tables show – by region – low, average and high case numbers, and when cases in each range can look forward to be interviewed.
IMPORTANT: Under normal circumstances, interview notifications are sent out to applicants during the second month (5 – 10 weeks) before their interview.
It must be also be noted that the highest case numbers in each region may never be scheduled for interview as the Program year may come to an end or visas run out before scheduling reaches them.
AFRICA
| Case Number | Classification | Chances | Likely Interview Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 10000 | Low | Very High | October – January |
| 10000 – Below 20000 | Relatively Low | High | January – March |
| 20000 – Below 30000 | Average | Good | March – June |
|
30000 – Below 40000 |
Relatively High |
Fair |
June – August or when |
| 40000 & Above | High | Low | Aug. – Sept. or when AF goes current; Note: may not get interviewed |
Except:
EGYPT
| Case Number | Classification | Chances | Likely Interview Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 4000 | Low | Very High | October – December |
| 4000 – Below 8000 | Relatively Low | High | January – March |
| 8000 – Below 12000 | Average | Good | March – May |
|
12000 – Below 15000 |
Relatively High |
Fair |
May – July or when |
| 15000 & Above | High | Low | Aug. – Sept. or when Egypt goes current; Note: may not get interviewed |
AMERICA, NORTH (THE BAHAMAS)
| Case Number | Classification | Chances | Likely Interview Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 | Low | Very High | October – January |
| 5 & 6 | Relatively Low | Very High | January – March |
| 7 & 8 | Average | High | March – June |
|
9 & 10 |
Relatively High |
Good |
June – August or when |
| Above 10 | High | Fair | Aug. – Sept. or when NA goes current; Note: may not get interviewed |
AMERICA, SOUTH and the CARIBBEAN
| Case Number | Classification | Chances | Likely Interview Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 500 | Low | Very High | October – January |
| 500 – Below 750 | Relatively Low | High | January – March |
| 750 – Below 1000 | Average | Good | April – May |
|
1000 – Below 1500 |
Relatively High |
Fair |
June – July or when |
| 1500 & Above | High | Low | Aug. – Sept. or when SA goes current; Note: may not get interviewed |
ASIA
| Case Number | Classification | Chances | Likely Interview Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 3500 | Low | Very High | October – January |
| 3500 – Below 5000 | Relatively Low | High | January – March |
| 5000 – Below 7500 | Average | Good | March – June |
|
7500 – 10000 |
Relatively High |
Fair |
June – August or when |
| Above 10000 | High | Low | Aug. – Sept. or when AS goes current; Note: may not get interviewed |
Except:
IRAN
| Case Number | Classification | Chances | Likely Interview Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 1000 | Low | Very High | October – November |
| 1000 – Below 2500 | Relatively Low | High | November – December |
| 2500 – Below 5000 | Average | Good | December – March |
|
5000 – Below 6500 |
Relatively High |
Fair |
March – June or when |
| 6500 & Above | High | Low | June – Sept. or when Iran goes current; Note: may not get interviewed |
NEPAL
| Case Number | Classification | Chances | Likely Interview Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 1000 | Low | Very High | October – November |
| 1000 – Below 2000 | Relatively Low | High | November – December |
| 2000 – Below 4000 | Average | Good | December – March |
|
4000 – Below 6000 |
Relatively High |
Fair |
March – June or when |
| Above 6000 | High | Low | June – Sept. or when Nepal goes current; Note: may not get interviewed |
EUROPE
| Case Number | Classification | Chances | Likely Interview Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 7500 | Low | Very High | October – January |
| 7500 – Below 10000 | Relatively Low | High | January – March |
| 10000 – Below 18000 | Average | Good | March – June |
|
18000 – Below 25000 |
Relatively High |
Fair |
June – August or when |
| 25000 & Above | High | Low | Aug. – Sept. or when EU goes current; Note: may not get interviewed |
OCEANIA
| Case Number | Classification | Chances | Likely Interview Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 400 | Low | Very High | October – January |
| 400 – Below 600 | Relatively Low | High | January – March |
| 600 – Below 950 | Average | Good | March – June |
|
950 – Below 1400 |
Relatively High |
Fair |
June – August or when |
| 1400 & Above | High | Low | Aug. – Sept. or when OC goes current; Note: may not get interviewed |
FINAL NOTE
As the above is intended to only serve as ‘signposts’, be sure to regularly follow the State Department’s Visa Bulletin to know the actual monthly cut-offs that will apply in your region.
SUGGESTED: For indepth explanation regarding case numbers, read this article.
Please, I would like to know the chances available for an interview for case number 2024AF00033###. Thank you
It depends largely on the assigned embassy.
Hi,
My case Number in Asia, AS 3xxxx in DV lottery 2024. Is there any chances to get interview? If available, when will it?
Yes, good chances of being interviewed. When it will be depends on various factors, so I can’t tell when exactly.
I AM FROM LIBERIA AND MY CASE NUMBER IS 2024AF001051XX DO I HAVE THE CHANCE FOR AN INTERVIEW?
It’s too early to say.
Hello dear respected sir;
I am a DV lottery winner from Afghanistan my case number in around 22000. The case numbers for Asis raised to 21000 for July. We have 2 months, August and September left. Is there any possibility that in these 2 remaining months, the case numbers for Asia reach to 22000 or I have no chance. I much respect and apperciate your kind anwers, thank you in adcance.
Yes, it is possible for the Asia cut-off number to reach your case number in the two remaining months.
I was selected for further processing for the DV2024. I’m an F-1 visa holder so I’ll be adjusting my status. My case number is 2024SA000032XX and based on your article, chances of being interviewed with a case number of over 1500 is low in my region. Currently, the visa bulletin cutoff is at 2740 for DV2023. Can you please explain your reasoning for the 1500 cutoff?
When the selection process affects what has been ‘normal’ case number ranges for a number of years by extending the highest case numbers, that obviously affects the classifications, chances and likely interview time.
That’s the case of DV-2023; and even more – as we are currently observing – with DV-2024. And that’s the essence of the NOTES both before and after the cut-off tables. Consider Note # 3 (before) and the final note (after).
I think I should add an additional note to clarify for those who don’t understand what the current notes mean and may have similar questions.
Thanks for the comment.
So does it mean that, with high case number you could be rejected even though you’ve won the dv lottery.
Not rejected, but you may not have the chance to be interviewed to be issued a visa.